Published more than 12 hours after Apple CEO Tim Cook’s open letter to customers, Pichai’s comments describe Apple’s stance as “important,” noting that requiring companies to enable the hacking of consumer data “could be a troubling precedent.” While Pichai is clear in his support of Apple, the “could”-heavy tone and calculation apparent in his remarks suggest Google isn’t keen on entering the legal fray around this issue. Instead, Pichai called for a “thoughtful and open discussion.”

Earlier today, whistleblower Edward Snowden tweeted about Cook’s letter, pointing out that Google had not yet stepped forward to address the case.